Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Miralda Shawl (Yakity Yak)

Finally finished blocking the Miralda Shawl and I have to say that the Yak/Silk blend from "A Verb For Keeping Warm" did fluff up and is very soft with a nice subtle sheen. This is a quick and easy knit with interesting construction. You cast on the edging and then decrease at the center and both sides to make the triangle which ends at the back of your neck on this shawl. I used US 6 needles and the original shawl asks for a a fingering weight yarn though I went a bit thinner. This shawl is maybe 5 ounces of yarn. Every version of this shawl that I have seen is really pretty in its own way. If you want a laugh, look at the Feb 26, 2009 entry for The Yarn Harlot :-) Now to look at my UFO's.

ahhhhh, lovely! (as always). I have some fingering weight alpaca set aside for it, love the color. Looking at the blocking pic, I was wondering how it stays on your shoulders? Even though you fold that "V" part over to make a little collar, it still looks like it might slip off easily.

From what I've read, some people are a little reluctant to cast on so many stitches to start with so perhaps that is the reason. The shawl is not a true triangle as it has a "peak" at the back of the neck.

I love the color of this yarn and the softness of that Yak/Silk really is divine. i have a terrible time trying to get the color to show up in pictures. Besides, everyone has a different picture since computer monitors rarely show the real color either.

That peak in the back folds down to make a little collar but you are right that it does not want to say on your shoulders that well in a yak/silk. I think wool would stretch and fit better. Shawls like Laminaria and Hyrna stay on better because of their shape. Still, the shawl ties in the front and stays on that way.

Your Miralda shawl turned out beautifully! I have it on my needles right now, but don't feel inspired to finish it. It's probably the plain natural white yarn I'm using. I want to dye the finished shawl. It is a lovely shawl indeed.